Determinants of Labor Performance and Environmental Sustainability in Coastal Shrimp Farming Systems: A Case Study from Ecuador

The performance and growth of aquaculture export companies are increasingly linked not only to worker productivity but also to the environmental sustainability of coastal aquatic systems. Shrimp farming in Ecuador, concentrated in hydrologically sensitive coastal zones, represents a strategic agro-industrial activity with both economic and ecological significance. This study evaluates labor performance within the shrimp farming sector through a validated psychosocial model, using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis with 250 workers. The integrated model includes job satisfaction, organizational commitment, working conditions, and productivity—constructs with high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.766–0.861). Confirmatory analysis revealed excellent model fit (CFI = 0.985; RMSEA = 0.073). Findings suggest that psychosocial well-being significantly contributes to sustainable labor practices in aquaculture systems facing environmental stress and water management challenges. This model may serve as a practical tool for improving productivity and sustainability in shrimp farming and other coastal aquaculture industries.